How Donald Trump broke the 'funk' that seemed to paralyze Beto O'Rourke

President Trump and Beto O’ Rourke were both in El Paso, Texas on February 11, 2019. This is a side-by-side look at the two rallies in the city that’s at the center of the fight over a border wall.
USA TODAY

If Beto O'Rourke appeared brooding and introspective in the weeks after his loss to Ted Cruz, that changed when Donald Trump arrived in his hometown.

That sounds like an odd description for the 45th president who has on occasionally belittled his opponents as crooks, liars and lazy bums. But simply by showing up in the hometown of El Paso's most famous former congressman, Trump somehow managed to cure Beto O'Rourke of the "funk" he had sunk into since losing his race to for the U.S. Senate to Ted Cruz.

Rally vs. counter-rally

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2/11/19 5:44:54 PM -- El Paso, TX, U.S.A -- A counter-rally led by former U.S. Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke joined the March for Truth with hundreds of people along with Border Network for Human Rights, Women's March, to protest against President Trump campaign rally near El Paso County Coliseum on Feb. 11, 2019.
Nick Oza, for USA TODAY

2/11/19 5:43:49 PM -- El Paso, TX, U.S.A -- A counter-rally led by former U.S. Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke joined the March for Truth with hundreds of people along with Border Network for Human Rights, Women's March, to protest against President Trump campaign rally near El Paso County Coliseum on Feb. 11, 2019.
Nick Oza, for USA TODAY

2/11/19 5:52:33 PM -- El Paso, TX, U.S.A -- A counter-rally led by former U.S. Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke joined the March for Truth with hundreds of people along with Border Network for Human Rights, Women's March, to protest against President Trump campaign rally near El Paso County Coliseum on Feb. 11, 2019.
Nick Oza, for USA TODAY

2/11/19 5:52:34 PM -- El Paso, TX, U.S.A -- A counter-rally led by former U.S. Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke joined the March for Truth with hundreds of people along with Border Network for Human Rights, Women's March, to protest against President Trump campaign rally near El Paso County Coliseum on Feb. 11, 2019. Nick Oza
Nick Oza, for USA TODAY

2/11/19 5:52:49 PM -- El Paso, TX, U.S.A -- A counter-rally led by former U.S. Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke joined the March for Truth with hundreds of people along with Border Network for Human Rights, Women's March, to protest against President Trump campaign rally near El Paso County Coliseum on Feb. 11, 2019. Photo by Nick Oza, Gannett
Nick Oza, for USA TODAY

2/11/19 5:52:49 PM -- El Paso, TX, U.S.A -- A counter-rally led by former U.S. Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke joined the March for Truth with hundreds of people along with Border Network for Human Rights, Women's March, to protest against President Trump campaign rally near El Paso County Coliseum on Feb. 11, 2019.
Nick Oza, for USA TODAY

2/11/19 5:58:05 PM -- El Paso, TX, U.S.A -- A counter-rally led by former U.S. Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke, holds his son Henry, joined the March for Truth with hundreds of people along with Border Network for Human Rights, Women's March, to protest against President Trump campaign rally near El Paso County Coliseum on Feb. 11, 2019. Photo by Nick Oza, Gannett
Nick Oza, for USA TODAY

2/11/19 5:58:05 PM -- El Paso, TX, U.S.A -- A counter-rally led by former U.S. Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke, holds his son Henry, joined the March for Truth with hundreds of people along with Border Network for Human Rights, Women's March, to protest against President Trump campaign rally near El Paso County Coliseum on Feb. 11, 2019. Photo by Nick Oza, Gannett
Nick Oza, for USA TODAY

2/11/19 5:58:05 PM -- El Paso, TX, U.S.A -- A counter-rally led by former U.S. Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke, holds his son Henry, joined the March for Truth with hundreds of people along with Border Network for Human Rights, Women's March, to protest against President Trump campaign rally near El Paso County Coliseum on Feb. 11, 2019. Photo by Nick Oza, Gannett
Nick Oza, for USA TODAY

2/11/19 6:05:00 PM -- El Paso, TX, U.S.A -- A counter-rally led by former U.S. Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke joined the March for Truth with hundreds of people along with Border Network for Human Rights, Women's March, to protest against President Trump campaign rally near El Paso County Coliseum on Feb. 11, 2019.
Nick Oza, for USA TODAY

2/11/19 6:06:43 PM -- El Paso, TX, U.S.A -- A counter-rally led by former U.S. Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke joined the March for Truth with hundreds of people along with Border Network for Human Rights, Women's March, to protest against President Trump campaign rally near El Paso County Coliseum on Feb. 11, 2019.
Nick Oza, for USA TODAY

2/11/19 6:06:46 PM -- El Paso, TX, U.S.A -- A counter-rally led by former U.S. Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke joined the March for Truth with hundreds of people along with Border Network for Human Rights, Women's March, to protest against President Trump campaign rally near El Paso County Coliseum on Feb. 11, 2019.
Nick Oza, for USA TODAY

A counter-rally led by former U.S. Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke, holding his son Henry, joined the March for Truth with hundreds of people along with Border Network for Human Rights, Women's March, to protest against President Trump campaign rally in El Paso, Texas. NICK OZA for USA TODAY

A lone Trump detractor stands on his bicycle amid a sea of Trump supporters on Monday. "Life is a risk, man," he said. "You've got to stand up for what you believe in. I don't want my kids growing up in a racist society. I don't want them to be ashamed to be Mexican." He wouldn't give his name. Blake Gumprecht/Las Cruces Sun-news

Rafael Hernandez, left, and Tony Murillo, both of El Paso, hold signs protesting President Donald Trump. Both say they were upset at Trump's remarks about El Paso in the State of the Union speech and want to send a different message Monday. Diana Albar Soular/Las Cruces Sun-News

President Donald Trump boards Air Force One as he leaves Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on Monday, Feb. 11, 2019, for a trip to El Paso. Trump will hold his first campaign rally since November's midterm elections in El Paso as he faces a defining week for his push for a border wall, his presidency and his 2020 prospects. Manuel Balce Ceneta/Associated Press

President Donald Trump walks up the steps of Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on Monday, Feb. 11, 2019. Trump is heading to El Paso to try to turn the debate over a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border back to his political advantage as his signature pledge to American voters threatens to become a model of unfulfilled promises. Susan Walsh/Associated Press

President Donald Trump arrives to board Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on Monday, Feb. 11, 2019. Trump is heading to El Paso to try to turn the debate over a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border back to his political advantage as his signature pledge to American voters threatens to become a model of unfulfilled promises. Susan Walsh/Associated Press

The announcement that Trump would come to El Paso with an exaggerated claim that the fencing erected a decade ago had saved the city from rampant cross-border crime almost immediately energized O'Rourke.

O'Rourke and other El Paso progressives organized an anti-wall "March for Truth" and counter-rally just blocks from the Trump venue. And when O'Rourke took the stage at the event that rivaled the president's in crowd size, he brought with him the frenetic energy and idealistic passion that charged his Senate campaign and helped him raise an unheard of $80 million from across the nation.

“If there’s any doubt about whether together we can make a stand that the generations that follow us will be grateful for, have no doubt,” O'Rourke said in a speech that veered from English to Spanish. “We have done it before. We are made of great stuff and this community produces great people. We are the example that the United States of America needs right now.”

The effort helped him draw attention from Trump as the cable networks granted the Texan near equal time — especially in the post-event punditry — with the president. The emerging narrative that O'Rourke was too brooding, too narcissistic, two green to run for president was replaced by renewed effervescence in the chattering class.

Former Texas Congressman Beto O'Rourke speaks to a crowd of marchers during the "March for Truth" in El Paso, Texas, on February 11, 2019. - The march took place at the same time as US President Donald Trump pushed his politically explosive crusade to wall off the Mexican border at a rally in El Paso. (Photo by Paul Ratje / AFP) (Photo credit should read PAUL RATJE/AFP/Getty Images)(Photo: PAUL RATJE, AFP/Getty Images)

The 'it' factor

"He’s got 'it,'" wrote Daniel Henninger, deputy editor of the Wall Street Journal's conservative editorial page in a piece that dismissed the rest of the ever-growing list of Democratic challengers as lightweight servants to identity politics.

"Teddy Roosevelt, FDR, Ike, JFK, Reagan, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama had it," Henniger continued as he added O'Rourke to the list of successful presidential candidates.

A narrative emerged that one of the reasons Trump chose El Paso as his first campaign event of 2019 was to bury an O'Rourke challenge before it was born. And he tried, dismissing the three-term former congressman as “a young man who’s got very little going for himself, except he’s got a great first name. ,,, What I would say is that may be the end of his presidential bid.”

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally.(Photo: David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times)

A rhetorical flourish

At his own event, where some rally goers waved "Beto 2020" banners and talked excitedly about the upcoming election, O'Rourke offered few overt cues about his plans, which earlier this month he told Oprah Winfrey would be settled by the end of February.

But he did not deprive his supporters of aspirational oratory that could contrast with Trump's call to wall off the border.

“There is no bargain in which we can sacrifice some of our humanity to gain a little more security,” said O'Rourke as his fist jabbed toward the El Paso sky. “We know that we deserve (to) and will lose both of them if we do. We stand for the best traditions and values of this country.”

U.S Rep. Beto O’Rourke talks from a stage to a large gathering of local supporters during a ‘Menudo & Mariachi’ campaign stop in his hometown of El Paso in a parking lot at 415 E. Yandell Drive near downtown El Paso Sunday. About 1,000 people showed up to have menudo, listen to a mariachi group and hear O’Rourke deliver a rousing talk in which he announced the start of a 34-day road trip to visit 50 cities and more than 100 town hall events. He said El Paso should be the example for the rest of the country. ‘This is a time to celebrate the fact that people chose to come here to this community to start their lives in the United States of America in El Paso Texas USA.’ 800 people sent in reservations via social media in advance, campaign workers said. O’Rourke said his campaign has raised $10.4 million from individual contributions without taking any money from political action committees or special interest groups. RUDY GUTIERREZ / EL PASO TIMES

U.S Rep. Beto O’Rourke talks from a stage to a large gathering of local supporters during a ‘Menudo & Mariachi’ campaign stop in his hometown of El Paso in a parking lot at 415 E. Yandell Drive near downtown El Paso Sunday. About 1,000 people showed up to have menudo, listen to a mariachi group and hear O’Rourke deliver a rousing talk in which he announced the start of a 34-day road trip to visit 50 cities and more than 100 town hall events. He said El Paso should be the example for the rest of the country. ‘This is a time to celebrate the fact that people chose to come here to this community to start their lives in the United States of America in El Paso Texas USA.’ 800 people sent in reservations via social media in advance, campaign workers said. O’Rourke said his campaign has raised $10.4 million from individual contributions without taking any money from political action committees or special interest groups. RUDY GUTIERREZ / EL PASO TIMES

Three members of Congress are met by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection official at the entrance to the Marcelino Serna Port of Entry to visit undocumented immigrant children housed there Saturday. They are from left: Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, Tom Udall, D-NM and Beto O’Rourke, D-El Paso. They were later joined by six more members of Congress who entered the facility. RUDY GUTIERREZ / EL PASO TIMES

U.S Sen. Tom Udall, left, points the way to the Marcelino Serna Port of Entry with U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke, center and U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro as they enter the gates to the facility in Tornillo, TX. Saturday. RUDY GUTIERREZ / EL PASO TIMES

U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke talks to the media outside the gates to the Marcelino Serna Port of Entry after he and eight other members of Congress visited the area where undocumented immigrant children are housed Saturday in Tornillo, TX. RUDY GUTIERREZ / EL PASO TIMES

Three members of Congress are met by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection official at the entrance to the Marcelino Serna Port of Entry to visit undocumented immigrant children housed there Saturday. They are from left: Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, Tom Udall, D-NM and Beto O’Rourke, D-El Paso. They were later joined by six more members of Congress who entered the facility. RUDY GUTIERREZ / EL PASO TIMES

Democratic political leaders, including former El Paso County Judge Veronica Escobar, from left, gubernatorial candidate Lupe Valdez, U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke and state Reps. César Blanco and Lina Ortega, lead hundreds of marchers to the gates of the Tornillo-Guadalupe port of entry, where undocumented immigrant children were being housed in a tent city Sunday east of El Paso. RUDY GUTIERREZ/EL PASO TIMES

U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke, organizer of the Tornillo march greets a participant Sunday near the Tornillo-Guadalupe Port of Entry where undocumented immigrant children are being housed. RUDY GUTIERREZ / EL PASO TIMES

U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke, D-El Paso, speaks to the crowd before starting on a short march to the entrance gate to the Tornillo-Guadalupe port of entry June 17 east of El Paso. At right is former County Judge Veronica Escobar, who is the Democratic Party candidate running to fill O’Rourke’s congressional seat. O’Rourke is running for the U.S. Senate against Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz. RUDY GUTIERREZ/EL PASO TIMES FILE

U.S. Reps. Joe Kennedy, III, and Beto O'Rourke speak with labor leaders in Houston on Wednesday as part of a campaign swing through Houston. O'Rourke is challenging Republican Ted Cruz for his seat in the U.S. Senate. Casey Jackson, Corpus Christi Caller-Times

In this Feb. 27, 2013, file photo, U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-El Paso, speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, who is seeking a second term, has seen O’Rourke raise more campaign donations in their battle for the Senate seat. O’Rourke also has visited more of Texas lately. Carolyn Kaster/Associated Press

Led by Congressman Beto O’Rourke, supporters made their way from San Jacinto Plaza to the El Paso County Courthouse to cast their ballots for Texas Senator. O’Rourke is looking to unseat Republican Senator Ted Cruz. Above, UTEP Prospector reporter Elenie Gonzalez interviews O'Rourke about college tuition on the walk to vote at the courthouse. MARK LAMBIE / EL PASO TIMES

U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke, who is running for U.S. Senate prepares to vote along side his wife Amy Sanders O’Rourke Friday at the El Paso County Courthouse. O’Rourke held his El Paso Voting Town Hall at San Jacinto Plaza prior to walking with a large crowd to vote. MARK LAMBIE / EL PASO TIMES

U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke, who is running for the U.S. Senate currently held by Republican Ted Cruz, holds his El Paso Voting Town Hall along side his wife Amy Sanders O’Rourke at San Jacinto Plaza. The crowd then walked together to the El Paso County Courthouse to vote. MARK LAMBIE / EL PASO TIMES

U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, who is running to unseat Republican Senator Ted Cruz, held his El Paso Voting Town Hall Friday at San Jacinto Plaza. After the town hall, the entire rally walked together to vote at the El Paso County Courthouse. MARK LAMBIE / EL PASO TIMES

U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke, who is running to unseat Republican Senator Ted Cruz, greets supporters as they walk to the El Paso County Courthouse to vote on the final day of early voting. MARK LAMBIE / EL PASO TIMES

Democratic U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke, who is running for Senate against Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, holds a town hall meeting Tuesday at Montwood High School. The top issue at the town hall was school shootings and the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. MARK LAMBIE/EL PASO TIMES

Tom Brown, foreground left, makes a point to city Rep. Beto O"Rourke during a short meeting Tuesday morning outside City Hall. O"Rourke met with a group of people to talk about the city ís proposal to provide benefits to unmarried couples, including gay and lesbian couples. VICTOR CALZADA/EL PASO TIMES

U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke, who is running for Senate against Ted Cruz, held a town hall meeting Tuesday at Montwood High School. The top issue at the town hall was school shootings and DACA. MARK LAMBIE / EL PASO TIMES

U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke, D-El Paso, holds a town hall meeting Tuesday at Montwood High School during which many in attendance expressed their concern over school shootings and the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. MARK LAMBIE/EL PASO TIMES

U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke speaks at an early morning rally in January at Kerbey Lane Cafe in Austin. O'Rourke, a Democrat, is campaigning to unseat U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican. Madlin Mekelburg/El Paso Times

Eric Pearson, president and CEO of the El Paso Community Foundation, left; U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke, D-El Paso; and Janae Renaud Field of the Frontera Land Alliance on Friday announce the El Paso Community Foundation’s creation of the Fund for Castner Range to support conservation efforts at the 7,000-acre former military firing range on the east side of the Franklin Mountains at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology. The Castner Range fund includes contributions from an anonymous donor and several small gifts in support of the conservation efforts. RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES

U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke, D-El Paso, left; Eric Pearson, president and CEO of the El Paso Community Foundation; and Janae Renaud Field of the Frontera Land Alliance on Friday announce the El Paso Community Foundation’s creation of the Fund for Castner Range to support conservation efforts at the 7,000-acre former military firing range on the east side of the Franklin Mountains at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology. The Castner Range fund includes contributions from an anonymous donor and several small gifts in support of the conservation efforts. RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES

U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke, D-El Paso, speaks in September during the fourth annual State of Congress luncheon at the Wyndham El Paso Airport Hotel. On Sunday, he said that "if anybody feels they’re being taken for granted, that’s on me to fix." RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES FILE

Beto O’Rourke, center, speaks to supporters in November during an event in which he formally entered the race to challenge Ted Cruz for Texas' U.S. Senate seat. Next to him is his wife, Amy O’Rourke. RUDY GUTIERREZ/EL PASO TIMES FILE

Beto O’Rourke, center, is surrounded by his family as he takes an oath from notary public Rosa Heredia to formally enter the race for the U.S. Senate in November in Downtown El Paso. RUDY GUTIERREZ/EL PASO TIMES

U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke, D-El Paso, speaks to supporters as he formally enters the race for the U.S. Senate on Monday at an office building at 500 W. Overland Ave. in Downtown. His son, Ulysses, 11, holds a stack of nearly 15,000 signatures gathered on a statewide petition. Next to O'Rourke is his wife, Amy. RUDY GUTIERREZ/EL PASO TIMES

Newly appointed County Judge Ruben John Vogt stands with his parents, Ruben and Hortencia Vogt, shortly after being sworn in Tuesday by District Judge Anna Perez. Vogt now will begin his 15-month temporary position as he finishes out the unexpired term of former County Judge Veronica Escobar, who is running for Democratic U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke’s vacant seat in the 16th Congressional District of Texas. RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES

El Paso Congressman, 16th District of Texas Beto O’Rourke addresses the luncheon crowd during the 4th Annual State of the Congress address held at the Wyndham Hotel in east-central El Paso. RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES

U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke receives hugs from supporters who came out to his "Rally for Relief," held in August at Ode Brewery. He had toured Texas for the past 34 days. On Sunday, he said that "if anybody feels they’re being taken for granted, that’s on me to fix." RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES

Congressman Beto O'Rourke shares a beer with Ode Brewery owners before addressing the crowd that came out to support his "Rally for Relief," held at Ode Brewery Thursday night. RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES

Congressman Beto O'Rourke shares a beer with Ode Brewery owners before addressing the crowd that came out to support his "Rally for Relief," held at Ode Brewery Thursday night. RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES

Congressman Beto O'Rourke shares a beer with Ode Brewery owners before addressing the crowd that came out to support his "Rally for Relief," held at Ode Brewery Thursday night. RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES

Congressman Beto O'Rourke shares a beer with Ode Brewery owners before addressing the crowd that came out to support his "Rally for Relief," held at Ode Brewery Thursday night. RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES

Congressman Beto O'Rourke shares a beer with Ode Brewery owners before addressing the crowd that came out to support his "Rally for Relief," held at Ode Brewery Thursday night. RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES

Congressman Beto O'Rourke shares a beer with Ode Brewery owners before addressing the crowd that came out to support his "Rally for Relief," held at Ode Brewery Thursday night. RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES

Congressman Beto O'Rourke shares a beer with Ode Brewery owners before addressing the crowd that came out to support his "Rally for Relief," held at Ode Brewery Thursday night. RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES

Congressman Beto O'Rourke shares a beer with Ode Brewery owners before addressing the crowd that came out to support his "Rally for Relief," held at Ode Brewery Thursday night. RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES

Congressman Beto O'Rourke shares a beer with Ode Brewery owners before addressing the crowd that came out to support his "Rally for Relief," held at Ode Brewery Thursday night. RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES

Congressman Beto O'Rourke shares a beer with Ode Brewery owners before addressing the crowd that came out to support his "Rally for Relief," held at Ode Brewery Thursday night. RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES

Congressman Beto O'Rourke shares some time with supporters before addressing the crowd that came out to support his "Rally for Relief," held at Ode Brewery Thursday night. RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES

Congressman Beto O'Rourke shares some time with supporters before addressing the crowd that came out to support his "Rally for Relief," held at Ode Brewery Thursday night. RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES

U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-El Paso, on Wednesday meets Department of Public Safety Troopers Ivan Renteria, left, and Carlos F. Gonzalez of El Paso in Victoria, Texas, where they were helping in Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. O'Rourke said the El Paso troopers were among the first to volunteer for relief efforts as the storm hit. Courtesy U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke

El Paso Democratic Congressman Beto O’Rourke stands with his daughter shortly after officially announcing his plans on running for the office of Texas Senator. O’Rourke officially launched what political experts are calling an uphill battle to unseat U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in 2018. After months of signaling an interest in the Senate seat, O’Rourke formally announced his campaign accompanied by his wife Amy Friday morning during an event in El Paso. RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES

El Paso Democratic Congressman Beto O’Rourke has officially launched what political experts call an uphill battle to unseat U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in 2018. After months of signaling an interest in the Senate seat, O’Rourke formally announced his campaign accompanied by his wife Amy Friday morning during an event in El Paso. RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES

El Paso Democratic Congressman Beto O’Rourke has officially launched what political experts call an uphill battle to unseat U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in 2018. After months of signaling an interest in the Senate seat, O’Rourke formally announced his campaign accompanied by his wife Amy Friday morning during an event in El Paso. RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES

El Paso Democratic Congressman Beto O’Rourke has officially launched what political experts call an uphill battle to unseat U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in 2018. After months of signaling an interest in the Senate seat, O’Rourke formally announced his campaign accompanied by his wife Amy Friday morning during an event in El Paso. RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES

El Paso Democratic Congressman Beto O’Rourke has officially launched what political experts call an uphill battle to unseat U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in 2018. After months of signaling an interest in the Senate seat, O’Rourke formally announced his campaign accompanied by his wife Amy Friday morning during an event in El Paso. RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES

El Paso Democratic Congressman Beto O’Rourke has officially launched what political experts call an uphill battle to unseat U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in 2018. After months of signaling an interest in the Senate seat, O’Rourke formally announced his campaign accompanied by his wife Amy Friday morning during an event in El Paso. RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES

El Paso Democratic Congressman Beto O’Rourke has officially launched what political experts call an uphill battle to unseat U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in 2018. After months of signaling an interest in the Senate seat, O’Rourke formally announced his campaign accompanied by his wife Amy and supporters Friday morning during an event in El Paso. O’Rourke shown here as he entered the area where he made his announcement being greeted by supporters. RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES

City Reps. Eddie Holguin, Steve Ortega and Beto ORourke listened to public comments Tuesday on the discussion over the mayors veto on a request by the City Council for a federal debate on the legalization of drugs. Times file

O'Rourke embraced Estefania Rubalcava after she spoke at Monday?s Dreamers town hall.
U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke embraced Estefania Rubalcava after she spoke at Monday's Dreamers Town Hall at the El Paso Community Foundation. Times file

U.S. Rep. Beto O?Rourke greets Brig. Gen. Kurt Crytzer, commanding general of Joint Task Force North in the reviewing area during the annual Veterans Day Parade Saturday in Downtown El Paso.
U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke greets Brig. Gen. Kurt Crytzer, commanding general of Joint Task Force North in the reviewing area during the annual Veterans Day Parade Saturday in Downtown El Paso. Times file

U.S. Rep. Beto O?Rourke, D-Texas, joined El Paso community leaders and elected officials as they stood in solidarity with those affected by the mass killing in Orlando. Fifty people were killed and 53 injured at the gay nightclub Pulse on Sunday morning. See more photos at elpasotimes.com.
U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-Texas, joined El Paso community leaders and elected officials as they stood in solidarity with those affected by the mass killing in Orlando. Fifty people were killed and 53 injured at the gay nightclub Pulse on Sunday morning. See more photos at elpasotimes.com. Times file

U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke introduces his son to Bob Chisolm, a combat veteran, on Saturday.
U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke introduces his son to Bob Chisolm, a combat veteran who served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, on Saturday in El Paso. Times file

U.S. Rep. Beto O?Rourke, D-Texas, waves to onlookers during the Rotary Club of West El Paso Fourth of July Parade earlier this year.
U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-Texas, waves to onlookers during the Rotary Club of West El Paso Fourth of July Parade. Times file

Congressmen William Hurd from San Antonio and Beto O?Rourke of El Paso stop to pose for a selfie as they travel to make the trip from San Antonio to Washington, D.C., by car. Airports in the Northeast are closed due to snow, and inclement weather has prevented the two from air travel.
Congressmen William Hurd from San Antonio, Texas and Beto O'Rourke of El Paso, Texas stop to pose for a "selfie" as they travel in a car together to make the trip from San Antonio, Texas to Washington, D.C. by car since all airports are closed due to snow and inclement weather has prevented the two from air travel. WILLIAM HURD/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

U.S. Rep. Beto O?Rourke, a member of the celebrity team, slides on the grass while working the ball toward the goal Saturday.
U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke, a member of the celebrity team, slides on the grass while working the ball toward the goal Saturday. Times file

U.S. Rep. Beto O?Rourke addresses a crowd who turned out to a Dreamers Rally at San Jacinto Plaza on Sunday. The event, which featured a variety of speakers, included two Dreamers who told their personal experiences. About 700 people braved chilly weather to attend the rally.
RUDY GUTIERREZ / EL PASO TIMES
U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke addresses a crowd who turned out to a Dreamers Rally in San Jacinto Plaza Sunday. The event, which featured a variety of speakers, included two Dreamers who gave their personal experiences. Speakers included County Judge Veronica Escobar, State Sen. Jose Rodriguez, City Rep. Lily Limon, El Paso school district trustee Susie Byrd and Fernando Garcia of the Border Network for Humah Rights. Times file

U.S. Congressman Beto O?Rourke, center, County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal, left, and County Judge Veronica Escobar talk about a meeting they had with immigration officials.
U.S. Congressman Beto O'Rourke, center, County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal, left, and County Judge Veronica Escobar talk about a meeting they had with immigration officials concerning the arrest of an undocumented immigrant in Protective Order Court at the El Paso County Courthouse. Times file

World War II veteran sailor Tony Macias was happy to see U.S. Congressman Beto O'Rourke, D-Texas, show up at his home Friday to present him with a flag which was flown over the capital in Washington D.C. in his honor. Many veterans like Macias were never honored or even thanked for their service during WWII and O'Rourke is trying to make things right with these El Pasoans. Times file

2005: Robert "Beto" O'Rourke had just heard the final totals on the television when supporter Joe Oliva, an El Paso businessman, held up a bench ad declaring O'Rourke the winner of District 8. O'Rourke upset incumbent Anthony Cobos. El Paso Times file

2012: City Rep. Susie Byrd, city Rep. Steve Ortega, center, and newly elected Congressman Beto ORourke smile after Ortega officially announced Wednesday that he is throwing his hat in the ring to run for mayor of El Paso. Ortega said he believes El Paso is entering a renaissance and is on the verge of greatness. Times file

2012: Beto ORourke and his wife, Amy Sanders ORourke, celebrate Tuesday at The Garden after learning that the former El Paso City Council representative had won the 16th Congressional District Democratic primary. ORourke, who unseated Silvestre Reyes, will face Republican Barbara Carrasco in the November general election. Times file

2010: City Rep. Beto ORourke, foreground, looks at his monitor as the results of the vote to restrict cell-phone use while driving were announced Tuesday at City Hall. ORourke was one of the three council members who voted against the measure. Times file

2013: U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-El Paso, promises members of the National Treasury Employees Union Chapter 143 that he will work with Congress to find a solution to replace sequestration during a gathering Saturday at Chamizal National Memorial. Times file

2013: U.S. Rep. Beto ORourke, left, walks Tuesday at the Paso del North Bridge with Ana Gonzalez, district director for state Rep. Joe Moodys office; Cynthia Cano, district director for ORourkes office; and Rolando Pablos, CEO of the Borderplex Alliance. City, county and state officials as well as business representatives walked across the bridge into Juárez and returned to experience a border crossing firsthand. Times file

2012:Beto O'Rourke, candidate for the 16th Congressional District of Texas, plays football in the street
outside his campaign headquarters before heading out to lunch with some of his campaign
volunteers Friday. Mark Lambie/El Paso Times Times file

Congressmen William Hurd from San Antonio, Texas, and Beto O’Rourke of El Paso, Texas, stop to pose for a “selfie” as they travel in a car together to make the trip from San Antonio, Texas to Washington, D.C., by car since all airports are closed due to snow and inclement weather has prevented the two from air travel. William Hurd/Special to The El Paso Times

President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed executive orders fulfilling his promise of building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and cracking down on immigrants living in the U.S. illegally. More than 650 miles of the nearly 2,000-mile border already has different types of walls and fences, the Government Accountability Office reports, including some 110 miles across most of El Paso. Aileen B. Flores / El Paso Times

U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke greets Brig. Gen. Kurt Crytzer, commanding general of Joint Task Force North in the reviewing area during the annual Veterans Day Parade Saturday in Downtown El Paso. RUDY GUTIERREZ / EL PASO TIMES

Alan Dicker of the Detained Migrant Solidarity Committee and Nellie Velasco, whose husband is detained at the El Paso ICE Processing Center, spoke at a press conference where the committee denounced what they called poor treatment of detainees which endangers them physically and psychologically. They were to present U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke with documented cases of abuse. VICTOR CALZADA/EL PASO TIMES

U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke, D-El Paso, speaks at a news conference Thursday outside the El Paso Museum of Archaeology on Trans Mountain Road. He said he is "cautiously optimistic" that President Barack Obama will designate Castner Range a national monument before leaving office. MARK LAMBIE/EL PASO TIMES

U.S. Congressman Beto O’Rourke welcomes home World War II veteran Elias “Pops” Campos who travelled to Washington D.C. with the Honor Flight program Sunday at the El Paso International Airport. 26 veterans from El Paso and southern New Mexico were treated to a trip to the nation’s capital. MARK LAMBIE / EL PASO TIMES

U.S. Congressman Beto O’Rourke greets 101-year-old World War II veteran Betty Somppi home after visiting Washington D.C. with the Southern New Mexico Honor Flight. 26 veterans from the borderland area took the trip to the nation’s capital. MARK LAMBIE / EL PASO TIMES

U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke, D-Texas, joined El Paso community leaders and elected officials as they stood in solidarity with those affected by the mass killing in Orlando overnight. Fifty people were killed at the gay nightclub Pulse at 2am Sunday morning. MARK LAMBIE / EL PASO TIMES

U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke, D-Texas, joined El Paso community leaders and elected officials as they stood in solidarity with those affected by the mass killing in Orlando overnight. Fifty people were killed at the gay nightclub Pulse at 2am Sunday morning. MARK LAMBIE / EL PASO TIMES

U.S. Congressman Beto O’Rourke was the Guest of Honor, during the D-Day Commemorative/WWII Veteran Recognition Celebration held at the Chamizal National Memorial Theater Monday morning. O’Rourke addressed veterans and guests at the celebration that was presented by members of the Roy Benavidez-Robert Patterson All Airborne Chapter, 82nd Airborne Division Association. RUBEN R. RAMREZ/EL PASO TIMES

Tom Brown, foreground left, makes a point to city Rep. Beto O'Rourke during a short meeting Tuesday morning outside City Hall. ORourke met with a group of people to talk about the citys proposal to provide benefits to unmarried couples, including gay and lesbian couples. Victor Calzada-El Paso Times

U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-El Paso, speaks to a crowd of more than 200 TriWest employees during the company's grand opening of its operations center Friday in Downtown El Paso. Luis Carlos Lopez/El Paso Times

Acting U.S. Secretary of Education John King talked with U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke as they toured Bowie High School Thursday. The U.S.-Mexico border is in the background. The building behind the berm is in Mexico. Victor Calzada/El Paso Times

TriWest Healthcare Alliance President and CEO David McIntyre, left, spoke with Gail Graham, acting director of the El Paso VA, and U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke at the conclusion of a press conference where McIntyre announced his company's selection of Downtown El Paso as the location for a new Operations Center Tuesday. Victor Calzada/El Paso Times

Beverly Good, right, El Paso Port Director for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection gives a fist bump to U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke at the finish line of the U.S.-Mexico 10K race at the summit of the Paso del Norte bridge Saturday. " Rudy Gutierrez El Paso Times

Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal, right, Mexico Secretary of Economy takes part in a discussion on the economic future of North America with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, center, and U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, left, during the second day of the 2015 United States-Mexico Summit Friday at UTEP. " Rudy Gutierrez El Paso Times

U.S. Senator John Cornyn, R-Texas, left, listens as U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-Texas, talks about immigration at the "State of Congress" hosted by the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce in April 2015. Times file photo

Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal, right, Mexico Secretary of Economy takes part in a discussion on the economic future of North America with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, center, and U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, left, during the second day of the 2015 United States-Mexico Summit Friday at UTEP. Rudy Gutierrez, El Paso Times

Rudy Gutierrez—El Paso Times Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal, right, Mexico Secretary of Economy takes part in a discussion on the economic future of North America with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, center, and U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, left, during the second day of the 2015 United States-Mexico Summit Friday at UTEP.

MARK LAMBIE—EL PASO TIMES U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, left, U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-Texas, U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, R-New Mexico, and U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, R-Texas, speak during the "State of Congress" hosted by the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce Thursday.